Pre-Medical Track

1 

Medical Assistant

Description: A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who supports doctors and medical staff with both clinical tasks—like taking vital signs, drawing blood, preparing examination rooms, and assisting during exams—and administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, handling billing or insurance forms, and greeting patients

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Required Experience/Certifications: Most employers prefer completion of an accredited medical assistant program (certificate, diploma, or associate degree) and national certification such as CMA, RMA, or NCMA. Some roles accept a high school diploma with on-the-job training. BLS/CPR certification is often required.

• How to get that experience/certification:

  • Check local community colleges, vocational schools, or reputable online programs — admissions staff can walk you through costs, timelines, and what’s included.

  • Sign up for a medical assistant program (certificate, diploma, or associate degree) — most take 9–24 months and include built-in hands-on practice.

  • Complete the hands-on training/externship in a clinic or doctor’s office so you can apply what you’ve learned.

  • Take a national certification exam (CMA, RMA, or NCMA) after finishing your program — your instructors will help with registration.

  • Get BLS/CPR certified through the American Heart Association, Red Cross, or sometimes directly through your school.

  • Look for hospital or clinic “on-the-job training” programs — some employers will hire entry-level staff with a high school diploma and train you while you work.

  • Apply for medical assistant apprenticeships if offered in your area — these combine paid work with classroom learning.​

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Establishments we recommend you explore:

• Norman Regional Health System – offers a variety of entry-level roles, internships, and training opportunities.

• Mercy Hospital (OKC & surrounding areas) – sometimes hires for medical assistant roles with on-the-job training.

• OU Health – connected to the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, with education-friendly career paths.

• SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – offers both experienced and entry-level medical support positions.

• Immediate Care of Oklahoma – multiple urgent care locations that hire medical assistants and front office staff.

• Red Cross – Oklahoma Region – great for obtaining CPR/BLS certification and healthcare volunteer experience.

2

Scribe

Description: A medical scribe is a healthcare professional who works alongside physicians and other medical providers to document patient encounters in real time, entering information into electronic health records (EHRs). They ensure accurate and thorough charting, record medical histories, update test results, and help providers focus on patient care by handling the bulk of documentation.

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Required Experience/Certifications: Most employers require a high school diploma and strong typing/technology skills, along with knowledge of medical terminology. Completion of a medical scribe training program or certification (such as from the American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group or The American College of Medical Scribe Specialists) is preferred but not always required. Some roles provide on-the-job training.

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• How to get that experience/certification:

  • Search for accredited medical scribe training programs online or through community colleges — some can be completed in a few weeks to a few months.

  • Learn medical terminology and anatomy — either through standalone courses or as part of a scribe training program.

  • Practice EHR systems (many training programs include simulations of popular medical record platforms).

  • Develop typing speed and accuracy — most employers prefer at least 60 words per minute.

  • Consider scribe certification (e.g., Certified Medical Scribe Professional or Apprentice) through recognized organizations.

  • Apply for entry-level scribe positions at hospitals, clinics, or with scribe staffing companies — many offer paid on-the-job training.

  • Volunteer or intern in healthcare settings to gain familiarity with workflows and documentation practices.

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Establishments we recommend you explore:

• Norman Regional Health System – Often hires scribes for emergency and specialty clinics, with training provided.

• OU Health – Large hospital system with outpatient and inpatient opportunities for scribes, especially in specialty departments.

• Mercy Hospital (OKC & surrounding areas) – Hires for scribe roles within clinics and hospital departments.

• ScribeAmerica – National scribe staffing company that frequently recruits in Oklahoma; provides paid training.

• iScribes (Nuance Communications) – Remote and in-person scribe positions with flexible schedules.

• INTEGRIS Health – Large OKC-based hospital network that occasionally hires for in-house scribe positions.

• SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Offers medical scribe roles in both hospital and clinic settings.

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3

Scrub Tech.

Description: A scrub tech, also known as a surgical technologist, is a healthcare professional who works in the operating room to prepare surgical instruments and equipment, maintain a sterile field, and assist surgeons and nurses during procedures. They ensure instruments are accounted for, pass tools to the surgical team, and help prepare patients and the operating environment for surgery.

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Required Experience/Certifications: Most employers require completion of an accredited surgical technology program (certificate, diploma, or associate degree) and certification such as CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is also often required.

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• How to get that experience/certification:

  • Look for accredited surgical technology programs at community colleges, vocational schools, or teaching hospitals — most take 12–24 months.

  • Complete classroom training in surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and anatomy.

  • Participate in clinical rotations in hospital operating rooms to gain hands-on experience.

  • Take and pass the CST exam through the NBSTSA after program completion.

  • Obtain BLS certification through the American Heart Association or Red Cross.

  • Apply for surgical technologist positions at hospitals or surgery centers — some may offer on-the-job training for candidates with related healthcare backgrounds.

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Establishments we recommend you explore:

• Norman Regional Health System – Offers surgical technologist positions in multiple specialties and has training pathways for new graduates.

• OU Health – Large hospital system with a variety of surgical service lines.

• Mercy Hospital (OKC & surrounding areas) – Frequently hires scrub techs for inpatient and outpatient surgery.

• INTEGRIS Health – One of the largest healthcare providers in Oklahoma, offering opportunities in general and specialized surgery.

• SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Positions in surgical services for both experienced and entry-level certified techs.

• Surgical Care Affiliates (SCA Health) – Manages multiple outpatient surgery centers in the OKC metro area.

• Oklahoma Surgery Center – Specializes in outpatient procedures and occasionally offers openings for scrub techs.

4

Nurse Assistant/Patient Care Associate/Nurse Tech.

Description: A Nurse Assistant, Patient Care Associate, or Nurse Tech is a frontline healthcare professional who supports nurses and other medical staff by providing basic patient care. Duties may include helping patients with daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating), taking vital signs, assisting with mobility, changing linens, and observing and reporting patient conditions to the nursing team. They work closely with patients, offering both physical and emotional support.

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Required Experience/Certifications: Most employers require completion of a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program and passing the Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) exam. Some hospitals hire Nurse Techs who are enrolled in nursing school. BLS/CPR certification is also commonly required.

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• How to get that experience/certification:

  • Search for state-approved CNA programs through community colleges, vocational schools, long-term care facilities, or hospitals.

  • Complete classroom and hands-on training in patient care, safety procedures, and infection control.

  • Pass your state’s CNA certification exam to be listed on the nurse aide registry.

  • Obtain BLS/CPR certification through the American Heart Association or Red Cross.

  • If you’re a nursing student, check with your school or local hospitals — many hire Nurse Techs who have completed a set number of nursing school clinical hours.

  • Apply to hospitals, long-term care facilities, and rehab centers for CNA, PCA, or Nurse Tech roles — some offer paid training programs for new hires.

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Establishments we recommend you explore:​

• Norman Regional Health System – Offers CNA, PCA, and Nurse Tech positions; often hires nursing students.

• OU Health – Hires both certified nurse aides and nurse techs (including nursing students) for inpatient care units.

• Mercy Hospital (OKC & surrounding areas) – Frequently recruits CNAs and PCAs in various hospital departments.

• INTEGRIS Health – Large network with roles in hospitals, rehab facilities, and specialty units.

• SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Offers CNA and PCA roles in inpatient and long-term care settings.

• Long-term care and rehabilitation centers such as Grace Living Center, The Fountains at Canterbury, and Brookdale Senior Living.

• Veterans Affairs Medical Center – Oklahoma City – Opportunities for CNAs and patient care staff in a federal healthcare setting.

5

Phlebotomy Tech.

Description: A phlebotomy technician is a healthcare professional who draws blood from patients for medical testing, transfusions, research, or donations. They ensure proper patient identification, follow safety and infection control protocols, correctly label and store specimens, and provide a calm, reassuring experience for patients during blood collection.

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Required Experience/Certifications: Most employers require a phlebotomy training program (can be completed in a few weeks to a few months) and a national certification such as CPT (Certified Phlebotomy Technician) through agencies like the NHA, ASCP, or AMT. Some employers provide on-the-job training for candidates with a high school diploma and strong people skills. BLS/CPR certification is often preferred.

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• How to get that experience/certification:

  • Find accredited phlebotomy programs at community colleges, vocational schools, hospitals, or reputable online providers with in-person labs.

  • Complete classroom instruction covering anatomy, specimen handling, and safety procedures.

  • Participate in a clinical practicum to gain hands-on venipuncture and capillary collection experience.

  • Take a national certification exam (CPT or equivalent) after training.

  • Get BLS/CPR certified through the American Heart Association or Red Cross.

  • Look for entry-level phlebotomy jobs at hospitals, labs, and plasma donation centers — some offer paid training.

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Establishments we recommend you explore:

• Norman Regional Health System – Hires phlebotomists for hospital labs and outpatient clinics; some positions offer on-the-job training.

• OU Health – Opportunities in inpatient, outpatient, and specialty care labs.

• Mercy Hospital (OKC & surrounding areas) – Frequently hires certified phlebotomy techs in various departments.

• INTEGRIS Health – Large hospital network with positions in laboratory services.

• SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Offers phlebotomy roles across hospital and clinic settings.

• CSL Plasma & Grifols Plasma – Plasma donation centers that train staff in phlebotomy procedures.

• Quest Diagnostics & Labcorp – National diagnostic labs with local patient service centers.